Bathrooms
Practicality vs. aesthetics: the current state of care home bathrooms Safety will, of course, always remain the first priority in care home bathroom design. The focus is on meeting legal requirements and adhering to strict budgets, but this should not cause the aesthetic element to be overlooked.
The emphasis on compliance is understandable, given the stringent regulations that govern care home facilities, and the needs of vulnerable users. Bathrooms must be designed to prevent accidents, minimise the risk of infection, and be easy to maintain. For example, features such as thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) must be regularly tested to prevent scalding, and duty flushes are required to minimise the risk of contamination from Legionella bacteria which proliferates in stagnant water in cisterns and pipework. These practical considerations are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Designing an accessible bathroom also means considering the needs of residents with specific conditions, such as dementia. Research has shown that colour coding and familiar design elements can help users living with dementia navigate the space more easily and reduce confusion and anxiety. For example, using contrasting colours to differentiate between the toilet, sink, and other fixtures can help residents living with dementia to identify these features more easily and use them independently.
Maintenance is another key factor in the design of care home bathrooms. Bathrooms must be durable and easy to clean and maintain, as they are used frequently and by residents with varying levels of physical ability. This has often led to the selection of materials and fixtures that are functional but unattractive. For example, high-contrast toilets and safety features such as blue plastic grab bars are often chosen for their practicality, but they are rarely designed with aesthetics in mind.
Despite the challenges, there are clear
safety features, there is no reason why these elements cannot be more visually appealing. By choosing products that meet the necessary standards, while also being stylish and elegant, it is possible to create bathrooms that are both safe and beautiful.
Encouraging investment in bathroom design While funding is often a concern, it is important to recognise that investing in high-quality bathroom design has long-term benefits for both residents and staff. A well- designed bathroom enhances the overall ambiance of the care home, making it a more attractive and desirable place to live and work. Cheaper systems may provide initial savings, but they quickly prove to be a false economy. By investing in durable, easy-to- maintain fixtures, care homes can reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, leading to cost savings over time. Traditional ideas of what is appropriate
signs of improvement. With advances in accessible sanitary ware and the availability of design-led products that cater specifically to care homes, it is now easier than ever to create bathrooms that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing. A well-designed bathroom can provide a sense of comfort and normalcy, making the transition from home to care home less stressful. Incorporating elements such as soothing colour schemes, natural lighting, and elegant fixtures can create a space that feels more like a private sanctuary than a clinical setting.
Rethinking compliance and regulations Regulations and standards play a crucial role in ensuring that accessible bathrooms are safe for the users. However, these regulations should not stifle creativity or limit the options available for creating beautiful, homely spaces. The Doc M standards, which are widely used in the UK, provide important guidelines for the design of accessible bathrooms. Care should be taken to ensure that these standards are interpreted in a way that allows for flexibility and innovation in design. For example, while the Doc M standards require the use of grab bars and other
50
in washrooms can lead to these stumbling blocks. Despite its ubiquity, the cistern-fed toilet is largely unsuitable for a care home setting. The small plastic components that cisterns contain are extremely prone to wear and damage, causing leaks that waste vast amounts of water. The maintenance required is extremely time-consuming and costly. For example, a care home in Douai, France
replaced 300 cistern-fed WC systems with our direct-flush, cistern-less systems, and found that they were able to reduce cold water consumption from over 3000m³ per month, down to under 500m³, a saving of well over 80 per cent. Maintenance went from two hours per day to almost inexistent, ensuring additional savings in time and money. This kind of discreet, space saving
technology also enhances the look of any washroom. By removing the cistern, up to 50cm³ of additional space is made available. There is no need for a service hatch, as the entire system is contained within a bespoke waterproof housing, accessible through the wall-mounted control plate.
Supporting hygiene and maintenance Attractive, well-thought-out designs often lead to better maintenance and hygiene. Bathrooms with easy-to-clean surfaces and efficient layouts not only look good but also remain cleaner, reducing the risk of infections and contributing to a healthier environment for residents. This not only benefits the residents but also the healthcare workers who support them, as they are able to work in an environment
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2024
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